Day 36: Hearing God

PULLING RANK

READ-  Philippians 2:5-8

REFLECT- Merriam Webster defines the idiom “pulling rank” as: “to use one's high position in a society, organization, group, etc., to order someone to do something or to get special treatment or privileges.” This is a common practice in our society, whether it is in business, the military or even our families. As the youngest of five kids, I NEVER got to sit shotgun on a car trip. I rode in the storage compartment in back, or the bed of the truck. I knew my place, and it was not at the top. But Jesus taught us to be a follower of Him required a different perspective.
Jesus’ actions and messages often modeled doing the opposite of what you expect in society. He said things like, “the first will come last and the last will come first,” and “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 19:30, Matthew 5:5). This is the opposite of how we see the world functioning. Jesus is teaching us that the Kingdom of God of which His followers are citizens needs to function differently than how we see things normally. We need to live sacrificial lives, humbling ourselves and serving others. Just like He did when he lowered himself and became a servant for us, even though he outranked everyone.
 
RESPOND- Consider places where you are the person in authority. Over who or what situations do you see yourself as ranking higher? How can you model the same behavior as Jesus and serve those that are supposedly beneath you? When you do this, watch to see how the others react. You might start a trend that reflects the glory of God!